Linda Gilmore is a Professor of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). In 2005 she developed the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) program at QUT, and continues to teach in this course across the areas of psycho-educational assessment, learning difficulties and developmental disorders. Her interest in disability began with Down syndrome 25 years ago, and then expanded to include other genetic syndromes. Much of her research with both typically and atypically developing individuals has focused on mastery motivation and self-regulation. Within the disability area, she has investigated topics such as resilience, sexuality, loneliness and community attitudes. Linda’s most passionate interest is the developmental consequences of rare chromosome disorders, and she has published and presented on this topic in numerous forums.

Presentation Title: “It’s like being on a roller coaster to an unknown destination”: The developmental consequences of rare chromosome disorders 

Abstract:

As genetic testing techniques become increasingly sophisticated, more individuals are being diagnosed with very rare chromosome disorders. Understanding the complexities of genetics can be both daunting and challenging for psychologists. In addition, the sparseness of knowledge about the developmental consequences of most rare chromosome abnormalities means that there is only a very limited evidence base to inform prognosis and intervention. This presentation begins by reviewing basic information about chromosomes that will assist psychologists to understand diagnoses such as 46,XX,del(8)(p23.1pter) or partial trisomy 16p11.2-1q12.1 in ring formation. Several case studies will be presented to illustrate the range of outcomes that are possible, and the experiences of families whose child is diagnosed with an extremely rare or unique chromosome disorder will be highlighted.